“The Speaker is trying to pass the healthcare bill without letting America see it first. In fact, she said, ‘We have to pass the bill so you can find out what’s in it.’ She’s also shooting for a vote-less passage. That is unconstitutional! Well, I can tell my Democratic colleagues what’s in it. The healthcare bill is littered full of one sweetheart deal after another – from the Louisiana Purchase to the Cornhusker

Kickback. What’s another term for hustling votes? Buying them! The American people are fed up with secret backroom deals in smoke-filled rooms.” U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson

1) “The Louisiana Purchase”
Who: Democrat Senator Mary Landrieu (Louisiana)
Cost: $300 million
Section 2006 provides a “Special Adjustment” for states recovering from a major disaster. Though the state is not named specifically, this provision appears to help only Louisiana – providing $300 million to the state Medicaid program. At the request of Senator Mary Landrieu, this provision was inserted into the Senate bill shortly before it was brought to the floor for a vote. Source: Sweeteners for the South:The Washington Post (November 22, 2009)

2) “The Cornhusker Kickback”
Who: Democrat Senator Ben Nelson (Nebraska)
Cost: $100 million
Section 10201(C)(4) provides that Nebraska, and only the State of Nebraska, would see the federal government pick up the extra Medicaid “tab” created by Obamacare. The underlying legislation expands Medicaid eligibility. Since Medicaid is a program paid for by both the federal and state governments, the Cornhusker Kickback has the federal government absorbing all the extra costs of this eligibility expansion that other states must still pay.
Source: CBO Pegs Nelson's Deal for Nebraska at $100 million: The Hill (December 20, 2009)

3) “Gator Aid”
Who: Democrat Senator Bill Nelson (Florida)
Cost: ???
The Senate bill cuts billions from the Medicare Advantage program – forcing millions of seniors off of their current health care plan. However, Senator Bill Nelson negotiated a special deal that protects Florida seniors from these cuts. Nelson inserted this amendment during the Senate Finance Committee’s markup. Source: White House Cuts Special Help for Nebraska, but Other Deals Remain in Reform Bill: ABC News Blog (February 22, 2010)

4) The Dodd Clinic
Who: Democrat Senator Chris Dodd (Connecticut)
Cost: $100 million
Section 10502 provides $100 million in funding for "a health care facility that provides research, inpatient tertiary care, or outpatient clinical services." The AP has reported that the funding was inserted at the request of Chris Dodd and will likely go to a University of Connecticut hospital.
Source: Health Bill Money for Hospitals Sought by Dodd: Politico (December 20, 2009)

6) “Favors for Fat Cats”
Who: Democrat Senators Ben Nelson (Nebraska) and Debbie Stabenow (Michigan)
Cost: ???
Section 10905 of the Senate bill levies a new annual fee on health insurers. However, the bill provides an exemption to a narrow group of companies due to their political importance to a few senators. This section will exempt Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Source: Concessions Lawmakers Won in the Health Bill: The Boston Globe (December 22, 2009)

12) “The Oregon Fail”
Who: Democrat Senator Jeff Merkley (Oregon)
Cost: ???
The Senate health care bill imposes a new tax on employer-sponsored health plans. Yet Senator Merkley was able to secure a special deal. Section 10901 of the Senate bill shields longshoremen from the full impact of the new tax.
Source: Concessions Lawmakers Won in the Health Bill: The Boston Globe (December 22, 2009)